Crufts 2008 – 5th February 2008 – Latest Homes

If you’re a dog lover too, the chances are that you’ll be well-aware of the greatest canine convention on the planet happening in exactly a month’s time.

The Kennel Club’s world-famous Crufts Dog Show 2008 will once again be filling all five main halls of Birmingham’s giant NEC. A staggering 25,000 dogs are expected compete this year, easily securing its place as the world’s largest dog show.

As well as being the biggest show yet in the event’s illustrious history, Crufts 2008 offers visitors much more than just seeing different shapes and sizes of dogs all competing with one another. Dog lovers and prospective owners will also have the chance to meet and greet over 190 different breeds of potential pedigree partners in the Discover Dogs area, and cross breeds and mongrels will be taking part in the various obedience, agility and training competitions that will take place over the four days.

These days many factors influence an individual breeds’ popularity, including price, size and of course, celebrity endorsement – especially Chihuahuas, Pugs and Bulldogs. The Kennel Club keeps a strong focus on those less sought-after breeds that it feels are vulnerable, even ensuring that they are protected from the threat of extinction. And recently, several traditional British breeds in particular – such as the Fox Terrier – are under threat, as more and more overseas breeds become popular with the British public.

Named after its founder Mr Charles Cruft, an ambitious young travelling salesman way back in 1878, Crufts as we know it began in 1891; a show run solely for profit until it was sold to the Kennel Club in 1942. Since then Crufts has increased in stature year after year, continuing to grow in success and size for both its exhibitors and public.

Crufts really has so much for all the family, from a host of fast and furious displays including agility and the famous Flyball, to heelwork and music competitions, dog displays, and much much more. And if that hasn’t satisfied your canine cravings, this year there are nearly 500 trade stands packed with everything for you and your dog, and they come from all over the world too!

I visited Crufts for the first time last year and absolutely loved it. And I’m really looking forward to going back up to Birmingham next month to witness even more canine craziness this time around. It’s massive, and with so much to see and do, I can’t recommend a trip to Crufts enough.

Best in Show – the top dog in the world – as always will be decided on the Sunday when we’ll see which dog will take the ultimate canine crown from last year’s winner – the 5 year old Tibetan Terrier Fabulous Willy (not a bar on St James’ St!)

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